Final 80m CC Data Contest

The 28th July test saw 135 logs submitted by participants gathered for the final run of the data section in the RSGB 80m CC contest series, with many reporting poor propagation conditions. However not all were so afflicted with some noticeably good scores achieved. Indeed the highest number of adjudicated QSOs of any entrant went to G4PIQ in the 10W Unassisted section. Just shows power isn't always the answer.

As always it is gratifying to receive entries from our overseas neighbours with new stations appearing this time all of which adds spice to the event although this time the propagation limiting their participation.

My thanks once again to Andy G4PIQ who provided me with the SDR recording. Talking of SDR recordings, these aid me in resolving adjudication questions but it really helps me do this if you log the frequency rather than the band. Also I really do wish entrants would check their logs to ensure their mode switches are accurately reported.

Thanks to the SDR recording, I note that entrants continue to chance their arm and fail to send the full exchange as laid out in section 5 of the rules for the contest series. This failure will from next year forward be penalised with a minimum of 10% loss of overall score.

Many logging programs pick up the number received and enter it into the log to assist the busy operator. It was common practice in days gone by to confirm a received serial number by placing it in parenthesis thus:- 'R (083) UR 599 045 045 M9xxx' The trouble is that the logger picks up the first number which is incorrect and ignores the following correct numbers. These days this sort of confirmation is no longer required and frustrates users of MixW and N1MM+

I would like to thank Richard Brokenshaw - M5RIC for operating GD6XX giving away 90 valuable 5 point QSOs. Indeed I believe all entrants are very grateful to all the operators of G6XX for giving up their time to put the call sign on the air.

As this contest concludes the 80m CC series it is with great pleasure I can reveal the final results. Looking at the club results tables first we see that in the General Club section, the Three As CG beat  De Montfort ARS to the top of the podium with Kilmarnock & Loudoun ARC coming home in third place. In the Local Club section Norfolk have taken first place by a significant margin from the Bristol CG who had a close battle all series with Sheffield &DWS. Congratulations to the winning clubs.

So to the individual tables where we find the following overall section winners:-

100W-A - G3G and overseas PC4H

10W-A - G4ENZ

100W-U - G3TBK and overseas PE1NYQ

10W-U - G4PIQ

Congratulations and well done to the section winners.

Finally, the winner of the RSGB 80m Challenge Trophy (Highest Scoring Individual UK&CD Entrant (all modes combined) - 100W or 10W Section) has been revealed and for 2022 this is G3TBK.

That is all for the 80m CC series for 2022, but you can hone your station and operating techniques in the Autumn series that starts next month. Note that this short series has a 'Le Mans' style start which I will be monitoring closely. Those who warm their engines in the two minute period should expect a penalty.

Until then 73

Simone Wilson - M0BOX

80m CC Data Modes Adjudicator